Sponsors, partners and participants mingled at the Taste 2015 launch party at The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, which featured light hors d’oeuvres created by the students and beverages from Bacco Selections, Bull City Ciderworks and Fair Game Beverage Co.Sonic Pie Productions put together a three-piece string band for the occasion, and guests had the chance to bid on silent auction items as well as build their own barbecue rub at a station set up with various seasonings and spices. It was a festive gathering to celebrate all the folks taking part in our food festival, which kicks off this Thursday! Tickets are still available at tastetheevent.com.
The Art Insitute of Raleigh-Durham, located in the American Tobacco Campus, hosted the Taste 2015 Launch Party.
Guests mingled in the lobby of the Fowler building, right outside The Art Insitute’s own restaurant — The District.
Taste’s Melissa Crane with Donna Parks of Southern Bride & Groom, a media partner.
Jeanne Behr and Durham Magazine’s Community and Events Editor Dana Lange.
Pittsboro distillery Fair Game Beverage Co. provided two cocktail selections for guests.
Mattie Beason of Six Plates Wine Bar and Mattie B’s Public House with Andrea Griffith Cash of Taste and Jill Warren Lucas.
Passed hors d’oeuvres created by the Art Institute students.
Acme Chef Kevin Callaghan (center), his sister, Lisa (far left), and daughter (left), Taste’s Rory Gillis and husband, Devin.
Chris Mesecar, president of The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, welcomes guests.
Rory thanks Taste sponsors, partners and particpants, and shares a rundown of the upcoming events.
Guests built their own rubs to take home with them.
Durham Magazine and Chapel Hill Magazine President Dan Shannon with All About Beer magazine’s Daniel Bradford.
Southern Bride & Groom’s Jenna Parks Olender with American Tobacco’s Shawn Olender.
Taste sponsor Great Big Canvas is providing signage for Taste 2015 events.
Taste’s Amanda MacLaren and Sally Scruggs try The Art Institute’s chocolate truffle and strawberry shortcake desserts.
